Leading, Following, or Lost?

But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice

(John 10:5)

I have come to realize that in life, we find ourselves in three distinct areas: leading, following or lost. Here in John 10, Jesus lets His followers (you and I) know that He is like a shepherd: sheep know the voice of their shepherd and they follow only his voice.

So as His sheep, who are we following? Who or what is leading us through life? Are we taking any one with us? Are we simply lost in the jungle of life?

Jesus goes on to say He is a good shepherd: He sacrifies His life for His sheep . . . you and me! Jesus gave up all He had in heaven so that we may have all God has promised to us. Who are we living for? Are we making life better for those around us?

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep

(John 10:11)

Even if we are following the Words of Christ and know we are His sheep, what are we doing with that? Is it enough to follow? Who are we bringing along with us? What about the lost?

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice . . .

(John 10:16)

Jesus commands us to go out and find more . . . lead more to Him. As we follow the Leader, we are to bring others along. We are to teach what we know as we are taught. Our task is not to prove we know the Savior, but show we know Him in such a way that leads others to know Him! If we really want to be like Jesus, we would practice sheep herding! Let's go out and find the lost and lead them home!

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost . . .

(Luke 19:10)